27.

THE DUELIST

The common view on dueling is that it is a relic of a bygone era—an uncivilized, primitive, savage, bygone era. All modern, progressive, forward-looking societies now prohibit this practice. And for good reason, it is alleged. For with the duel, the strong would kill off the weak, big bully types would run over everyone else, and the meek would never live long enough to inherit anything at all, let alone the entire Earth.

28.

THE EXECUTIONER

To some people it might look like a grotesque joke to consider the hangman in an even slightly positive role, let alone as a heroic figure. This is because the executioner plays a central part in the imposition of the death penalty, and this type of punishment is anathema to many of those who judge human action against a code of ethics. In this view, it is wrong for one man to murder another; nevertheless, it is an act of brutal savagery to then cold-bloodedly kill the murderer.

29.

DWARF THROWER

Dwarves, or little people as they are sometimes called, engage in a variety of professions. But some heed a rather unique calling, that of the use of themselves as human projectiles. Sometimes they are thrown, and the contest depends upon distance, or hang times, or grace through the air, or some other such criterion. On other occasions, they are used as human bowling balls, with the number of pins knocked down as the earmark of success. But, whatever wacky activity they are engaged in, all have two things in common.

30.

INTELLECTUAL-PROPERTY DENIER

Most people hold the view that just as we can legitimately own pencils, puppies, and pickles, it is proper for us to attain property rights in our ideas. After all, our thoughts emanate from inside us, from the very core of our being. It would be unjust if we could not own what we produce in this way. Certainly, our laws are now predicated on this perspective.

INDEX

absolute advantage theory, 16, 25–27

ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), 65

Afghanistan, xvii

ageists, 145–48

agriculture, 6

Alabama, 31, 69

Allen, Woody, 178–80

Alliance for Non-Violent Action, 169

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 151

Anarchy, State, and Utopia, 212

Ann, Sally, 153–54

Asimov, Isaac, 84

Baby and Child Care, 169

baby sellers, 181–83

Babylon 5, 212

The Ludwig von Mises Institute
Auburn, Alabama
2007

Copyright © 1970 by Morris and Linda Tannehill

P. O. Box 1383

Lansing, Michigan 48904

All rights reserved.

First Printing, March, 1970

Acknowledgmgents

PART I

THE GREAT CONFLICT

“Since late Neolithic times, men in their political capacity have lived almost exclusively by myths.”—Dr. James J. Martin